Private Vs. Couples Counseling - Which Works for You?
In the case of Stella and Sam, private counseling seemed like an important choice. Stella had a crippling case of agoraphobia (social phobia) which had only grown worse over the years. Early on in her marriage, Stella managed her phobic reactions. She held down a job and could occasionally go out with Sam on a work-related dinner. But as the years passed, her phobia seemed to have deepen and solidify.
After 16 years of marriage, Stella barely left the house, other than to go grocery shopping (which was also a major ordeal for her. She had to ask Sam to do it on several occasions). Sam had reached the end of his rope and told her that if she didn’t seek help, he’d seek a divorce.
Within several sessions of couples counseling, the answer seemed clear: Stella needed personal and private help for her agoraphobia in addition to couples counseling. The therapist thought couples counseling was helpful as a supplemental therapy, since it contributed to Stella’s social interaction.
Her private counseling focused on some childhood issues that she never took the time to explore.
Couples counseling can save a marriage or a failing relationship. There are times, however, that private counseling either needs to come first, or in addition to, couples counseling. Your counselor will suggest this if he/she sees fit. Either way, these are important steps toward growth, union and healing.
